2009-2010 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
What an exciting and busy year we have had with our International Affairs Department and Heifer International and looking forward to it continuing.
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL 65TH ANNIVERSARY
2009 marked the 65th anniversary of Heifer International and its mission to end hunger and poverty throughout the world. Everyone at Heifer proudly celebrates this milestone anniversary and the twelve million lives that have been changed because of the support of all the donors, volunteers, and staff around the globe. Today, there are 800 projects in more than 50 countries. This amazing and inspiring accomplishment is made possible by a global commitment to give families a chance for self-reliance and hope. “We have so much to celebrate,” says Jo Luck, Heifer International President and, “but we have much yet to do.” This special anniversary inspires all of us to look back with pride and gratitude, but most significantly, it motivates us to continue to move forward. The movement to end hunger and poverty demands all of our persistence, hope and a clear vision of a world where no one is hungry. Heifer International’s 65 years reveal to us that “Passing on the Gift” of self-reliance is both possible and powerful. And it’s that driving vision of a world full of hope that engenders this global, passionate movement.
We know our mission can be achieved, “A world without hunger is absolutely possible.”
Our special project “One Can at a Time” continues to bring amazing donations from our members. Every meeting has been bountiful and it so meaningful to know that our community is benefitting from this and no one is going to bed hungry.
Just recently our efforts were put to a huge test, Haiti was devastated by an earthquake on Jan. 16th. Our department along with the Program Committee partnered to collect needed items, medical supplies, crutches, walkers, canes, food, clothing, shoes, water, baby items, etc. to be distributed to the Haitian Community thru churches and other organizations in Haiti. Our club members voted to make a contribution to UNICEF for their children’s relief program for Haiti as well as donating our regular meeting’s raffle. Every little bit helps.
Our partnering with the Education Department on Project “Read for Food” for World Food Day, Oct.16th was a tremendous success. Local author’s read from their writings and those attending brought a donation of food. The food was then distributed to the local food banks in our community.
Our 2nd Annual Tailgating for Heifers was held Nov. 18th – this tailgating cook-out party again was very profitable for Heifer International but not so for the Miami Dolphins – the New England Patriots came up on top but everyone had an enjoyable time especially those few Patriot fans.
Our club has hosted two International Dinning Out Nights so far (Zucarrelli’s Italian Restaurant and LaBamba’s Mexican Restaurant) with more planned in the coming months.
Let us not forget our service men and women who protect us by giving up their lives so that we can live in freedom. We acknowledge Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 with red/white/blue ribbons to all our members; at Christmas our club members signed and sent Christmas/Chanukah Cards to our injured soldiers at Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in Washington D.C. Also this Valentine’s Day – valentine cards will be signed and mailed to the American Red Cross Project Gratitude to be distributed to our soldiers in care packages thought out the world. Memorial Day will be honored by our club with a special reading of “In Flanders Field and a poppy seed flower to our members. Sending these holiday cards spread holiday cheer and facilitates thanks to these brave individuals and their families.
March 8th is International Women’s Day – Ribbons will be distributed to our members to wear proudly on this day.
Lastly, Haylla and I want to thank each and every one of our dedicated club members in making our department a success. For those of you who don’t know Haylla, she is our resident cow bank that collects donations at the International Project’s Farm Stand at each meeting– her tummy gets emptied at the end of the club year and donations are made too many projects in our club.